This literally brought tears to my eyes. Every child seems to have such enthusiasm for singing. It's fabulous. And when I think about how much music means to me and how much I gained by getting exposed to it and participating in school, I simply can't fathom how schools can cut their programs. Watch this - you'll be touched, too.
7.15.2009
7.14.2009
Blog Love - Raising Foodies
My Firemen
7.13.2009
Sweet Big Brother
I should go ahead and admit that my posts will most likely be pictures of my boys for a while. I'm soaking in my gorgeous new baby and thoroughly enjoying the quality time I'm able to spend with my toddler, so that's what's on my mind. I promise I'll get back to posting some non-baby stuff after a while, but in the meantime...
A is a fabulous big brother. Any concerns I may've had about his being jealous or getting upset about having to share Mommy have truly disappeared. Okay, occasionally he does still want Mommy to do something for him when I have an armful of baby and can't, but all in all, he's pretty awesome.
7.10.2009
Slings, Groceries, and Happy Babies
7.04.2009
Photos of the Month!
6.29.2009
The Hangover
6.26.2009
Be Back Soon
*Image from PinkSherbet's Flickr Page6.23.2009
This Week's Menu

Panko-crusted Fish Sticks with Herb Dipping Sauce
Green Beans
Mashed Potatoes
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Salad
Pierogies, Peppers/Onions
Kielbasa
Penne with Asparagus, Spinach, and Bacon
Roasted Tomatoes
Bread
Spicy Chicken Quesadillas
(Black Bean Quesadillas for my Mom)
Corn Salsa
**I also think the end of the week may call for my favorite Strawberry-Almond Cream Tart. (Especially if I'm still waiting for baby!) Yummmmmmmmm...
6.22.2009
Belly Shots
As I've mentioned before, being pregnant is a little different the second time around. For example, I've been notoriously bad about taking pictures of myself. Well, here you go - I managed to get K to take a couple of me yesterday, so you can all see what I look like at 9 months.
Etsy Love: Cosas Minimas
How cute are these prints from the Cosas Minimas Etsy Shop? I love the primary colors. They'd look good in a nursery, playroom, or other kid's area.
6.19.2009
39 Weeks
6.18.2009
Fiesta!
6.17.2009
Totally and Completely in Love
I am head over heels in love with this little boy. Here are some highlights from just yesterday:
- When I got him up in the morning, he said, "Let's go have pancakes, Mommy!" Everything is just so exciting these days!! "Oooooh, Mommy.....bacon!"
- "Mom, Daddy's at work. And you have to go to work. I'M going to school today. To play with my friends. I'm going to bring a couple books. Kay?"
- Me: "A, we have to get dressed now to get ready for school." A: "No." Me: "Come on, Sweetie. Time to get dressed." A: "No." (I had to include one of these exchanges in order to keep the message authentic. He eventually did come - he just has his own timetable and does not like to be rushed.) Me: "Honey, we have to get ready for school. You can bring your truck upstairs if you want." A: "Okay, Mom. I'm coming."
- Car rides are really just an excuse to look at trucks. The boy is ridiculous about trucks. He knows them all and gets SO excited when he sees one, especially particular favorites. "OOOH, Mommy, LOOK! A cherry-picker! That's Daddy's favorite! And a car transport! That's your favorite! LOOK! Do you see it?!"
- When I arrived at day care, he sprinted across the playground and jumped into my arms, wrapping his arms around my neck. "I love you, Mommy." (You just can't beat that!)
- "Mom, can I watch some Elmo please?" (A perfectly polite question without the typical initial whining and my prompting him to ask nicely.)
- After watching a Sesame Street video ("Fiesta"), he spent dinner singing, "Amigo, Amigo, lalalalalala...." "Sing, Mommy!"
- "Mmmmm.....yummy pasta and chicken, Mom." (He's still not a big eater, but at least he tries everything. Grilled chicken and pesto pasta, a small bowl of grape tomatoes, and half a pear for dessert. Not bad.)
- A: "What are you doing, Mom?" Me: "Cleaning the dishes, Sweetie." A: "Wait! Let me help you!"
- "Come and play, Mommy. Come!" Sometimes chores must wait. I can't resist an invitation to play. We spent the time after dinner singing, dancing, making snowmen out of play-doh, throwing balls, and rolling trucks back and forth to each other.
- "Daddy! Hi! Come read stories! Hurry!" K came home from work in time to read bedtime stories. "We're going to read 3 stories....that's the deal." We've been falling into the "just one more book" trap lately, so we're trying to be more consistent. A is picking it up very quickly.
All of these exchanges or comments were from just one day! And that was a day when I had to work and therefore only got to hang out with him in the morning and evening. He amazes me, and I swear I love him more every single day.
Apple Pecan Quick Bread
6.16.2009
Summer Reading
Okay, so I know I'm getting ready to have a baby, and I probably won't have a lot of time to read this summer. At the same time, I will be at home for a while, and new babies do sleep at times, so perhaps I will actually be able to pick up a book every now and then. I also remember some long night feeding sessions, especially in the early days, when I was able to balance a book in one hand. So we'll see.
I just finished reading People of the Book, by Geraldine Brooks. I enjoyed it very much, but it was not an easy read. I also enjoyed her other books, including March and Year of Wonders, so if you haven't read this author, I'd recommend her. (Start with March - it's great.)
But now I'm thinking I need something a little lighter, easier to pop in and out of as I have time. This article in the NY Times contains some book recommendations that I plan to check out. I thought I'd share in case you might be looking for something new for your nightstand as well. Enjoy!
6.15.2009
Menu of the Week
6.13.2009
A Little Inspiration
My husband, who is the ultimate recycler, collects the sad, misshapen and rejected umbrellas that are often found lying in the trash bins around our West Village neighborhood.
Knowing of my aversion to collections of clutter, he hustles them past me to his study and spends quite a bit of time repairing them.
The next time it rains, he carries several repaired umbrellas into our neighborhood and approaches anyone who appears to be bedraggled, drenched or just plain miserable. He says, “You look as if you could use an umbrella.”
After their initial expressions of shock, their faces change to smiles of gratitude as he hands the refurbished umbrellas to them. “Have a great day,” he says, thoroughly enjoying himself.
6.12.2009
Regina Spektor - "Laughing With"
Oh, yes, I'm afraid the music splurge is definitely close! Regina Spektor has a new album coming out on the 23rd. Enjoy the video and have a happy Friday!
Spring in a Box
6.11.2009
Black Bean Burgers
Etsy Pick: {jig.}
Another Etsy shop that offers really cute items that would be perfect for a baby gift. Adorable handmade onesies, tees, and other cute things. It is so easy to get bored with all the usual baby designs and colors, especially for boys - it is refreshing to see cool and fun prints. I also love that they are handmade and not too expensive. The wooden boxes they are packaged in makes a lovely touch. Check them out!
More Kitchen Love
*Image via Desire to Inspire When I get a new kitchen, I will vow to always keep my cake stand out on the counter, filled with a yummy cake.
6.10.2009
Aunts, Neighbors, and Lemonade
Dave Matthews Band
I love the Dave Matthews Band. I first saw them at a college frat party in Virginia when I was in high school. I liked them then. I continued to enjoy them through college, when they hit the big time. And I still love them now. They are still making great music. Part of the reason why I love them is that they are a fabulous live band. They obviously love making music together and playing in front of crowds.
In case you don't know, they have a new album out. Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. It's getting good reviews, although obviously those don't mean much. The songs I've heard so far are very good, though, and I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with the album. (Oooh, I feel a music splurge coming on soon!) In the meantime, enjoy this video from their appearance on The Today Show last week.
6.09.2009
If You're Headed to the Video Store...
I am so behind on movies. It's sad. I haven't even rented many movies this year, because my husband and I can't seem to stay up late enough to watch them!
However, we have managed to watch a few lately. I thought I'd share some opinions. We watched Doubt, which was good and well-acted, but not amazing, at least to me - perhaps it was the subject matter. We watched Taken, which was entertaining, but that's the highest praise I could give it.
We watched Valkyrie, which was actually a lot better than I expected it to be. The fact that it was based on a true story made it interesting, although it just seemed very wrong for it not to be made in German.
Last week, being home alone, I decided to rent Milk. It was very good, and I'd definitely recommend it. Inspiring and very well-acted.
With baby #2 coming very soon, I may not get to watch many movies again for a while, but if you happen to rent something you really enjoyed, let me know.
6.08.2009
Quote of the Day
Be Back Soon!
6.02.2009
100 Best Movie Lines in 200 Seconds
This is a fun video. Tons of great movie lines from tons of great movies.
I think we should come up with a list of the worst movie lines, too, though. K and I were talking about this the other day. My pick for worst ever: "Is it raining? I hadn't noticed." From Four Weddings and a Funeral.
5.29.2009
Stand by Me
Please take a few minutes to watch this. It's another one of those videos that will make you smile and feel good about the world.
Sunny Days!
5.28.2009
Red Kitchen

Make Way for Ducklings
*Image from Wikipedia5.27.2009
Menu of the Week
Packing for the Hospital
I still have another month, but I'm starting to prepare myself for the arrival of my new baby boy. I'm putting together the list of items I'd like to bring to the hospital. I have done this before, so I do remember the key things I found useful and other things that weren't necessary. As a result, my list this time around isn't nearly as long. Take a look - were their other things you found helpful to have in the hospital?
iPod/speakers - I loved having my own music, especially during early labor. I could focus on the songs during contractions.
chapstick
pajamas (simple cotton nightgowns) and robe
toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, etc)
hair elastics - must be able to pull the hair back!
glasses
camera
phone
socks/underwear/bra
going-home clothes
For K: couple drinks, snacks, magazines
For the little guy: going-home outfit and car seat (which we should probably install soon, huh?)
I know there are lots of other things on the lists that I've seen online, but last time I remember going home with about 5 bags full of stuff from the hospital! They provide so much - receiving/swaddling blankets, sanitary pads, nursing pads, diapers, etc.
Sunblock
*Image from www.amazon.com5.26.2009
Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles
Five Senses Weekend - Memorial Day edition
See
- Good friends that I haven't seen in years
- Newly-blooming pink rhododendrons in our yard
- Golf-ball sized hail, in the middle of an otherwise gorgeous day
Touch
- My squirming belly. The little dude has been getting the hiccups a lot lately.
- A's tow truck, monster truck, and garbage truck - we roll them back and forth across the living room floor. He's going to be disappointed when we finish the room and get a new rug.
Hear
- K's quote of the weekend: "I feel like I should just keep eating the pulled pork, because really, how often do you get pulled pork, ya know?"
- A, squealing and shrieking as he chases after bubbles
Smell
- Sweet basil seedlings, now planted in my herb barrel. Yum!
- Fresh cut grass. LOVE that smell! I also love being able to open up all the windows to let that fresh air in.
Taste
- Strawberry shortcake, lemonade, grilled chicken and pesto sandwiches, watermelon, blueberry pancakes...lots of tastes of summer!
5.20.2009
Menu of the Week
Hot ham and cheese sandwiches
Vegetable soup
Chicken Scallopini (*Use thin-sliced chicken to save a step.)
Corn on the cob
Herbed mashed potatoes (I took the "fake it" approach and mixed Boursin cheese and a little milk with cooked red potatoes.)
Baked tilapia w/ roasted tomatoes
Rice
Tori Amos - Abnormally Attracted to Sin
Tori Amos has a new album, Abnormally Attracted to Sin. I don't have it yet, but I like what I've heard so far. I love Tori, but I haven't been thrilled by her recent releases. I'm holding out hope for this one.
Here is a link to Amazon, where you can sample the songs and view the video to the album's first single, "Fire to Your Plain".
5.19.2009
This Week's Organizing - Dresser Drawers
5.18.2009
Perfect Sentiment

I thought this was a nice way to start the week. The blog where I found it - Perfect Sentiment - is also lovely, if you're looking for some additional inspiration today.
Have a happy Monday!
5.15.2009
Quote of the Day
"Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others."
- H. Jackson Brown


























